Before the days of federal prohibition and the "War on Drugs," cannabis wasn't just tolerated; it was a common ingredient in many medicinal preparations found in American pharmacies. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tinctures, extracts, and elixirs containing cannabis were readily available over-the-counter for a wide array of ailments, from headaches and insomnia to menstrual cramps and anxiety. Brands like Parke-Davis, Eli Lilly, and Squibb manufactured and marketed cannabis-infused medicines, often touting their effectiveness in medical journals and advertisements. It wasn't until societal shifts and political movements began to demonize the plant in the early 20th century that cannabis transitioned from a respected pharmaceutical to a prohibited substance, making its journey back to mainstream acceptance a long and winding one.